Nancy Grams. For over a decade, Nancy has poured her heart and energy into serving on Northgate's Board of Directors, always with a spirit of gratitude, humility, and a strong sense of purpose. As she transitions from this role, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on her invaluable contributions and hear from Nancy herself about her journey with us!

It's fall, y'all! As the leaves all change and the crisp air rolls in, fall offers us a beautiful reminder of God’s creation and the simple joys of the season. From picking apples to finding the perfect pumpkin, local orchards and patches around the Twin Cities provide the perfect opportunity to slow down, connect with the fam, and embrace the beauty of fall. Whether you're savoring a warm apple cider or wandering through a corn maze, these experiences are a wonderful way to experience community and gratitude for the season's blessings. Here are a few of Northgate Staff's favorite spots to explore...

What a difference one letter can make! To be influenced means to be affected or changed in how one behaves, thinks, and develops. To be an influencer is to be someone who affects how others behave, think, and develop. Which one does God want believers to be? Does He want them to be influenced? Or to be an influencer? The answer is: both. When someone first comes to the Lord, they need Godly influence in their life. Mature Christians are needed to come alongside them, helping them understand what "being a Christian" is all about—showing them how to live out their faith and discover their purpose in God's kingdom, as well as how to live out that purpose. However, as believers grow in faith and maturity, they become the influencers to those who are young in the faith. They help others find their purpose in God's kingdom and guide them in walking the faith life they have entered into. So, what does all this have to do with cell phones, social media, and overbooked schedules? Quite a lot, actually. Many would agree that cell phones and social media are two of the biggest influences in today's culture. Consider how different things were just sixty-three years ago. Phones hung on the wall in homes, and wealthier households might have had more than one. Then came portable phones, which operated within a limited range, but they allowed freedom to move around the house while talking. If no one was available to answer the phone, the caller left a message on an answering machine. Home computers didn’t hit the market until 1977, and they were large, expensive, slow, and less functional than modern cell phones. In 1983, the internet was born, making information accessible at the touch of a few keys. In 1997, social media made its debut with Six Degrees, starting a race that led to platforms like Friendster, MySpace, LinkedIn, YouTube, WordPress, and Instagram. These advances, driven by the space race and technological breakthroughs, have undeniably transformed the world in every aspect, from medicine to manufacturing, education, air travel, and even warfare. But at what cost to society, culture, and individuals? Many of us have grown reliant on modern technologies, so much so that if they were to disappear, we might find ourselves unsure of how to navigate daily life without them. Additionally, while these advancements have brought convenience, they’ve also contributed to a shift in how we connect with one another. Amid the hustle of work, family, church, sports, and countless other commitments, finding time for genuine human interaction has become more challenging. Relaxation now often involves screens—whether it's laptops, cell phones, or TVs—rather than gathering around the table for meals or engaging in meaningful conversations. Social media, though it can keep us connected, sometimes takes the place of in-person fellowship, with virtual interactions becoming more common than face-to-face time with friends. But real relationships were the very reason God created humankind! He desired a relationship with people who would worship Him out of free will, not coercion. And in Genesis, God created Eve because it was not good for man to be alone. This craving we have for relationships is exactly what draws us to social media and shows about characters we identify with. So where's the balance? How can we be certain we are more heavily influenced by God, than by media? And is it possible to use those same tools to help influence others to grow in relationship with Him? In our "Over the Influence" teaching series, Pastor Steve shared some valuable insights on how to manage our screens and social accounts wisely, in an increasingly digitally-dictated culture. Here are a few more: TRACKING YOUR TIME: Personal reflection and change can lead to a healthier relationship with technology. Track and inventory your screen time, then determine if you need to be more intentional. One can decide, in advance, not to be too heavily influenced, but instead to become the influencer. PLAY THE ALGORITHMS: By unfollowing those who post content that conflicts with one’s beliefs, and scrolling past unwelcome material, a person can reduce negative influences without completely cutting off communication. Quick searches on scripture, apologetics, Christian authors, and other edifying subjects will also positively inform what's on your feed. YouTube, for example, offers a treasure trove of worship music, any by watching those videos, more of that nature will be suggested to you. It’s about controlling what is seen rather than being passively influenced by it. SHINE A LIGHT: Posting content that builds others up, strengthens them, or glorifies God also changes the way social media is used. Do you have a story to tell? Love a certain scripture passage, worship song, or church event? Use your platform! Share something good and engage healthy conversations in the name of Jesus. CONSIDER QUITTING: While it's unlikely that any of us are abandoning our phones for good, each of us probably has one game, streaming app, or social account that isn't helpful or necessary. Consider which one you might want to quit and get rid of it. In doing so, you might reclaim 2 minutes or even 2 hours back each week! Try making a small change this week, and let us know how it goes!

Can you believe it? Summer is almost over! The summer has been filled with both activities—Night to Unite, Day at the Lake, Time 2 Play—and teachings—Understanding the Battle, First Things First, and Messy Spirituality. A common thread through these teachings is the idea that godly living takes some effort. To avoid confusion about what effort looks like, let's pop in to two passages real quick... Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Similarly, Philippians 2:12-13 states, “T herefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” It's evident that salvation is not earned through works; it's a result of God’s grace and mercy, initiated and completed by God alone. Dallas Willard often quipped “Grace is not opposed to effort, grace is opposed to earning.” The distinction is that effort is an action by which we join God in what He is doing. Practically speaking, effort is a necessary part of life. All of us make efforts, either with God or without God. Earning is something different. Earning is an attitude that reasons "someone owes me for the efforts" , and wrongly believes that "I can secure what I want (including salvation) by my efforts." It’s clear from these passages that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned and that God, anticipating our efforts to respond, has even been preparing to work with us in advance. And what are His good purposes for us? To mature in faith in Him To grow in obedience to Him To bear much fruit for Him This concept can be explored through an acronym using the word—yep, you guessed it—EFFORT! Each letter represents two words: the first is the effort required, and the second is the spiritual result it brings to the Christian walk. As we will see, these “efforts” always yield spiritual outcomes in our journey with the Lord. ENERGY: Energy spent builds Endurance. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us.” The Greek word for endurance is hupomone , which conveys the concept of having the strength to keep going even when exhausted. Some versions use the word perseverance, which is similar in meaning. A professional athlete trains to build skill sets, muscle memory, and stamina. Similarly, as Christians, training in spiritual matters builds spiritual skill sets (such as understanding the Bible and hearing God’s voice), spiritual muscle memory (knowing what to do based on past experience), and spiritual stamina (refusing to give up because God is with us). Three actions can help train for running a good race: Study the Bible regularly, daily if possible. Our culture is in sensory overload, bombarded with images and ideas from morning until night. This is a tactic of the enemy to distract from what is important and tear apart the fabric of faith. It is crucial to counter the world's ungodly input with Godly concepts. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Reading the Word transforms the mind by filling it with Godly concepts. Pray daily. Pray often. Prayer is a conversation with God, not merely presenting a list of requests. It is a dialogue, not a monologue. Learn to listen to God—He truly desires to speak with us! Meaningful communication is vital in any relationship, and prayer will revolutionize a relationship with God, leading to deeper intimacy with Him. Worship every chance possible. Worship is more than singing; it is expressing love and appreciation to God. It can be kneeling, lifting hands, or simply sharing feelings with Him. Psalm 22:3 says, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” God inhabits the praises of His people, and worship brings His presence into any environment. Thus, the Word of God transforms the mind, prayer transforms the relationship with Him, and worship transforms the environment. FORGIVENESS: Forgiveness brings Freedom. Forgiveness is at the heart of Christianity. Romans 5:8 states, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Psalm 130:4 adds, “But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You.” Without God’s forgiveness, we would still be lost in sin, unable to serve Him with reverence. God initiated the reconciliation by forgiving us, changing our status from slaves to sin to members of His family forever (John 8:34-35, 36; Romans 8:2). Is God’s gracious act of forgiveness solely meant to set us free from sin and change our relationship with Him? Absolutely not. Christians are called to bear fruit for the Kingdom, becoming the image of Christ to a lost world—a living sermon, as it were. A lifestyle of forgiveness toward others is essential for spiritual maturity. What happens if one chooses not to live a lifestyle of forgiveness? Matthew 6:14-15 warns, “ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Unforgiveness can bind one in sin. The story of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-35 illustrates this kingdom principle, showing how an unforgiving spirit can hinder both the ability to forgive others and to receive forgiveness. God paid the ultimate price to forgive and set humanity free from sin, making it possible to be in relationship with Him. Forgiveness is a kingdom principle that must be followed to keep the heart open to God’s forgiveness through Christ. Faith is demonstrated through actions. FAITHFULNESS: Faithfulness brings God’s Favor . Faithfulness is defined as having the characteristics of one who keeps promises and follows through on commitments. Such a person is reliable, trustworthy, steadfast, and unwavering. In Galatians 5:22-23, faithfulness is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a characteristic of God Himself. As God builds His image in believers, faithfulness is a trait He seeks to develop. Does the favor of God exist? Isaiah 66:2b says, “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Humility is understanding God’s greatness and being brought low by that understanding. Contrition is feeling sorry for sins and desiring forgiveness. Trembling at God’s Word means taking it seriously and embracing its teachings. The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 illustrates God’s favor, particularly in the interaction between the father and the oldest son. The older son had everything he needed and desired, including his father’s presence. He labored faithfully and never disobeyed his father, living under the umbrella of his father’s favor. Similarly, a believer's relationship with and obedience to God keeps them under the umbrella of His favor. John 14:15 and 21 reinforce this idea: “If you love me, keep my commands,” and “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” Obedience does not earn salvation, but it deepens the relationship and interaction with God. OBEDIENCE: Obedience demonstrates Obeisance. Obedience is vital to a relationship with the Lord and Savior. Many Christians desire a savior to keep them out of hell but resist having a Lord who makes demands on their lives. There is a growing ideology, especially in America, that suggests God understands shortcomings and is okay with them, implying no need for change because He accepts people as they are with no strings attached. However, this ideology is not supported by Scripture. In fact, Scripture teaches the opposite—that believers should be changing into a better likeness of Jesus every day (2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:8-10). The process of “killing” the old self and putting on the new self is a lifelong journey, as highlighted in our Messy Spirituality message series. God is patient, ensuring His mercy is new every morning and never fails. Obedience is crucial, but what is obeisance ? It is an old practice of making a vow of obedience by a vassal to a lord or a slave to a master, demonstrating submission to one who has authority. Paul considered himself a bondservant or slave of Christ because Jesus had redeemed him from the hand of Satan. Christians should view themselves similarly. Thus, obedience directly demonstrates obeisance, the willingness to submit to the master. While this may challenge modern sensibilities, believers must remember they are submitting to One who loves them more than anyone ever could. Jesus made obedience easy in John 14:15, saying, “If you love me, keep my commands.” REPENTANCE: Repentance builds Relationship. Repentance involves a change of mind, heart, and direction, transforming actions and attitudes. It is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. Throughout one’s life, every moment should be lived in such a way that brings honor and glory to God. Living this way is impossible without first embracing repentance. The journey begins with salvation, as the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The willingness to respond to this conviction reflects a repentant heart. Salvation cannot occur without a lifestyle of repentance. And while believers may stumble, God’s mercy is always available to those who desire to return. Ephesians 4:30-31 emphasizes the importance of living righteously to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit. When believers are sealed with the Spirit at salvation, the relationship becomes intimate. In the spiritual realm, the intimate relationship between the Holy Spirit and the believer is likened to marriage. The story of the prodigal son, who returned to his father in repentance, shows how the father (God) did not shun him but celebrated his return. God’s Word urges all people to return to Him through repentance to avoid judgment and to live a life that brings honor to Him. Repentance is a kingdom principle that Christians should live by. It is a transformative process of changing thoughts, actions, and attitudes to align with God’s will. The result is a deep, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit and a life that reflects God’s glory. TRUST: Trust builds Thankfulness. Trust is fundamental to any relationship, and the relationship with God is no exception. Trusting God means relying on His promises, believing in His character, and depending on His wisdom. Trusting God is essential for spiritual growth, and it leads to a life filled with thankfulness. In Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God requires submitting to His will, even when it is difficult to understand. When believers trust in God’s sovereignty, they can be thankful for His guidance, provision, and protection. A life of trust and thankfulness is a life that honors God. Trusting God in all circumstances, even in the face of challenges, leads to a heart of gratitude. Thankfulness becomes a natural response to God’s faithfulness, and it deepens the relationship with Him. As believers trust God more and more, they become more aware of His presence in their lives. This awareness fosters a sense of thankfulness for His continuous work in their lives. Trust and thankfulness are intertwined, as trust leads to gratitude and gratitude strengthens trust. In conclusion, godly living takes effort, and the rewards are immense. As believers, let's strive to live godly lives, experience spiritual growth, deepen our relationship with God, and move toward the fulfillment of His purposes for our lives. Through energy, forgiveness, faithfulness, obedience, repentance, and trust, we can live lives that reflect the glory of God and bring honor to His name.

Change is difficult. As a young adults pastor, I like to think of myself as a resilient, forward-thinking person who encourages change—matter of fact, I search for it. But it wasn’t until my wedding and the whirlwind that followed that I realized change is tough, it’s not easy, and I don't always like it. But whether I wanted to admit it or not, life is all about embracing change. Relationships change, careers change, living situations change, our bodies change, people change. Change is inevitable. And I am not exaggerating when I say that all of those changes listed happened to me in the span of three months. Not only did I get married this summer (relationship change), but I also started a new job (career change), left my entire church family and friends (more relationship change), moved in with my husband—leaving my best friend behind, my mom… 'Hi mom' (living situation change). Much to our surprise, my husband and I were blessed to conceive shortly after our wedding, adding another layer of excitement and completely-unexpected change as we now prepare for our little one (body change). All of this is forcing us to become real-life adults in our early twenties and start becoming the best parents we can be (people change). As someone who walks alongside young adults navigating this season of life, I know firsthand the joys and frustrations of all the change that happens in your 20s. It’s dramatic, and it’s real. In the midst of all this change, I have to think, ‘What is God teaching me?’ or ‘What can I learn from all of this change at once?’ What God is teaching me in this season of change is that He doesn’t change. God does not change. He is constant, faithful, always good, dependable, and reliable. Malachi 3 says the LORD does not change; Lamentations 3 says the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; Deuteronomy 31 says He will never leave me or forsake me. What I am learning is that in the midst of my change, I can depend on God to encourage me, fill me, sustain me, and guide me. That has been my prayer and reminder these past three months. Even though I left my Christian community, I see God at work, making a home for me here with the warm and welcoming people of Northgate. Although all of my medical issues that make childbirth difficult continue to create complications, God has given and will give wisdom to my doctors and me peace. Even though my pregnancy has been really rough and may not be typical, God is good—He is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals, and He will protect me and my baby. Despite missing my mom and grieving moving out, God was so good and only moved me two minutes away. Even if my husband and I are young and untrained in the parent department, God will grant us patience, wisdom, and knowledge. He will help us become parents who keep Him at the center. I have come to learn there is great joy in our change, and our constant is always our Lord and Savior. God has allowed these changes, and I now see them as opportunities not just to grow, but to draw closer to Him, find rest, and be strengthened by His unwavering presence. I have to think now that if God has allowed change to happen, which He has, I need to practice joy and see these changes as opportunities not just to grow, but to run to Him faster and remain in His Word. The world and our lives, my life, is forever changing, but our God, my God, isn’t. He is where I will continue to find confidence in the future. And when winds of change blow in your direction, I hope you will too.

Summer is here, and our all-church picnic is just around the corner! One of the greatest joys of this event is the water baptism in Lake George. It is always a blessing to witness individuals publicly declare their intention to follow Jesus through baptism. Over the years, many have asked questions about water baptism, with the most common being, "Do I have to be baptized to be a Christian?" This is a good question and one that believers have asked for centuries. But before we get to the answer, let's explore the scriptures to understand three main aspects of baptism: Baptism is commanded. Baptism is demonstrated as an act accompanying salvation. Baptism is symbolic of being buried and resurrected with Christ. Is Baptism Really Commanded? In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus told the disciples, " Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". In Mark 16:16, Jesus says, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned". Jesus viewed belief in Him and baptism as intertwined acts. His disciples continued this teaching in their ministries. In Acts 2:38, Peter, on the day of Pentecost, preached a powerful sermon, concluding with, " Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" . Jesus actually commanded this. And because He's an incredible teacher, He knew that a full immersion baptism is the ultimate sermon illustration! The experience of going under and coming back up brings a tangible component to an unseen spiritual truth. What Do the Stories of Baptism Demonstrate to Us? At the end of Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, it states, " Those who accepted his message were baptized..." . Acts 8:12 tells us the outcome of Philip's witness in Samaria: "But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women" . In Acts 8:26-38, we read about the Ethiopian eunuch being baptized after Philip explained the scriptures to him and he believed. In Acts 9:10-18, we learn the story of Ananias being sent to lay hands on Saul and heal him. After Saul regained his sight, " he got up and was baptized" . These verses lead us to two conclusions: Baptism follows understanding and believing the salvation message. Baptism is an external action demonstrating an internal belief. What is the Symbolism of Baptism? In Matthew 3:13-17, we find the story of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus didn’t need to understand or believe the salvation message; He was the message! This story is significant because it shows Jesus’ commitment to fulfilling all righteousness. Jesus told John, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." In Leviticus 16:3-4, God established rules for Aaron to follow as high priest before making the sacrificial offering for sin, which included bathing with water. Jesus began His public ministry after His baptism, symbolizing His role as our high priest and atonement for our sins. Let's look a little further at the symbolism of baptism. Two passages help us understand its meaning: Colossians 2:12 and Luke 9:23-24. Colossians 2:12 reads, "having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through your faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." Baptism is an outward action that helps us understand what has happened at our new birth. We have died to our old nature, been buried (in water), and resurrected with Christ to a new life—a life dedicated to Christ and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Luke 9:23-24 helps us understand this dying to our old nature: "Then He said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'" Do I have to be Baptized to be a Christian? Back to our original question: "Do I have to be baptized to be a Christian?" Baptism is not required for salvation. The Bible is also very clear on that. Baptism is an act of obedience that needs to follow salvation, but it is not required for salvation itself. Romans 10:9-10 says… “ If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. " Baptism isn't a task on some spiritual checklist that we have to do. It's a beautiful symbolic step in His direction -- that we get to do! Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that baptism is something we need to do for God. But really, it's all about receiving what He's already done for us. A water baptism is saying 'yes' to Jesus' invitation to follow Him. It's accepting the promises of the Father, through His son -- to love us, forgive us, and deliver us from evil and death. And it's starting fresh with the Holy Spirit. If that sounds like you, and you're ready to take the plunge for the first time, or to affirm a previous baptism, your Northgate family wants to be there with you. We want to pray for you, cheer for you, and hug you. Get baptized at Lake George with us this summer! It will be the beginning of an incredible new chapter in your walk with God.

Every summer, it always feels like we sneeze, and it’s the 4th of July. Then we blink, and it’s over altogether! Perhaps it’s been a jam-packed summer filled with sweet memories so far. Or maybe it’s felt like you are wandering around in a hot, dry desert as the Israelites did. Or you find yourself barely able to tread the water of the lake you’re in. One of the trickiest things about summer is how easily it can pull us out of routine and away from God. You could call it a "summer slump." But summer can actually be one of the most powerful times to connect with God! For us to be reminded of His creation and beauty! Think about that for a second... Summer brings a buzz to it, an extra energy at times. The sun rises early, with birds singing away for all to hear, and then sets well into the evening, giving us a second wind to capitalize on all this “extra time” we now feel exists! Summertime could be a huge opportunity for us to rest, enjoy, and immerse ourselves in God’s plans. This season could be reflective, and one of the most tangible times to be intimately close to God. Yes, there are grad parties galore, weekends cheering away at sports tournaments, and some lucky ones may enjoy a weekend at the lake "up north". While all of that is part of the joy of summer, they also provide ample distractions and make us feel busier than ever. But there isn’t anything stopping us from flipping the script and making it more about rest and time with God than about running from thing to thing. REST With more than half of summer still left, perhaps we can slow down and be sure that we are tuning in to what God is saying to us this season. Maybe it’s that you need more rest , and resting in Him could require you to drop some of the busy schedule. When you do, connect with God in your rest. Take time in the hammock to reflect and pray, allowing yourself to recharge spiritually as well as physically. It's also possible to rest in God while still being busy and active by practicing acknowledging His presence as you go do "all the things." You can shop at Aldi with God. You can commute to work with God. You can do the dishes with God, cut the lawn with God, and cook dinner on the grill with God. COMMUNITY Maybe it’s that you need more community , and opening your firepit to the neighbors or friends once a week for s’mores leads to more laughter and fellowship than you or they knew was needed. Connect with God in community. Share your faith journeys, pray together and encourage each other in your walks with God. Don't miss the chance for more community at Northgate too, especially Day at the Lake ! ROUTINE When summer schedules shift, roll with the changes but put some guideposts up so you don't abandon good disciplines. Perhaps what would be most helpful to you would be to make weekend services (online or in person) a non-negotiable part of your routine , so you are more prepared as the rest of the week pulls you in a thousand directions. Or, you could make a morning walk a daily priority so you can take in God’s creation and feel peace again. Maybe when you water your plants every evening, you use that time to also tell God everything you were thankful for that day. Whatever you find yourself needing this season, God wants to do it with you. It’s funny that as kids, we refer to this time as “summer break.” It’s the biggest highlight of childhood, often leaving us with nostalgic feelings as we age and a sense that those were the best of days. Who’s to say that they still aren’t, though? God walks with us our entire lives, changing us, shaping us, revealing new plans or purposes to our steps. Summertime could easily be the best season to jump leaps and bounds in our relationship with God. It could require you to slow down a touch or to outright stop and ask God to reveal what He has planned for that moment you find yourself in. It could require that you to stretch yourself socially, or find room in your routines. And each time you do, the more you will realize just how much God has in store. God can show up in amazing ways if you let Him in, making this summer even more memorable than those 'good old days' you still cherish! He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:2-3

Hot dogs, and sparklers, and tiny little American flags — have you been enjoying your Independence Day traditions? As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July over this long holiday weekend, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation. We remember the courage and vision of those who fought for our independence, and we cherish the liberty that allows us to pursue our dreams and live our lives to the fullest. Yet, in the midst of our festivities, it’s essential to reflect on a deeper, eternal freedom that we possess: the freedom found in our faith in Jesus Christ. Just as the founders of our country envisioned a land where people could live free from tyranny, so too did our Heavenly Father desire for us to live free from the bondage of sin and fear. Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “ It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This Independence Day weekend, as we celebrate the freedom of our nation, let's also celebrate the spiritual freedom we have been given. This freedom isn't just concept or a historical event; it is a daily reality that should transform our lives. Through Christ, we are liberated from the shame of our past, the fear of the present, and the anxiety of the future. We are free to live boldly, love deeply, and serve selflessly. In the same way that the fireworks light up the sky, let your faith shine brightly! Use this holiday as an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of freedom—both national and spiritual. Share with your family and friends the story of how Christ has set you free. Encourage your circle to stand firm in their faith, to live in the light of God’s love, and to spread that love to others. It's almost as if we were made to sparkle! While you enjoy the parades, the barbecues, and the fireworks, remember that your ultimate freedom was bought at a price. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of liberation, and His resurrection is our assurance of eternal life. This is the greatest freedom we can ever know, and it’s a freedom that no earthly power can take away. So, while we honor our country and the freedoms we cherish, let’s also recommit ourselves to living out our faith with courage and conviction. Let our lives be a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace. May our actions in the coming days reflect the love of Christ, and may our hearts be ever grateful for the freedom He has given us as we become the people He has purposed us to be. Happy Independence Day, and may God bless you and your loved ones with the peace and joy that comes only from true freedom in Christ!

Northgate Church is thrilled to announce the arrival of our new Young Adults Pastor, Faith Boss. Beginning July 1st, Faith will be joining our team to serve alongside the young adults in our church and to engage new faces at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. This exciting development is made possible thanks to the continuous support and generosity of our congregation. Faith has a deep-rooted history with Northgate. She encountered the Lord here as a young teenager, often walking to church alone, driven by her hunger to deepen her relationship with Him. After completing her education in Wisconsin, she has been serving pastorally with kids, youth, and young adults at Eagle Brook Church in Woodbury. Now, she returns to Northgate with a wealth of experience and a passion for ministry. We are pleased to introduce Faith through a brief and fun Q&A session so you can get to know her a little better and join us in welcoming her warmly to our community.